Minor fire interrupts Christmas party at Century Club of Syracuse

Syracuse, N.Y. — A minor fire at the Century Club of Syracuse Friday night sent about 100 guests and 20 staff members outside during a Christmas party, a fire department official said.

Nobody was hurt, and everybody was soon able to go back inside to continue the festivities, said officials with the Syracuse Fire Department and the club.

The fire originated in a fault in a fireplace on the second floor of the club at 480 James St., said Lt. Ken Heffernan of the fire department. He said it’s not clear yet what caused the gap between the fireplace and the floor underneath the fireplace.

The call came in at about 6:50 p.m., and the fire was quickly under control, allowing the guests to return, Heffernan said.

Michael LaRosa, general manager of the private club, said “there was a little bit of excitement at the club” and praised the work of both the fire department and the Syracuse police.